Sunday, August 9, 2009, Opera Per Tutti (Opera For All) performed "OPERA IN THE ITALIAN CULTURAL GARDEN", a free outdoor evening concert of favorite Italian opera classics, in the spectacular Italian Cultural Garden. Presented by the Italian Cultural Garden Foundation, Northern Ohio Opera League, and the Cleveland Cultural Garden Federation, the opera is the brainchild of Joyce Mariana, the Director of the Italian Cultural Garden and an opera singer, who has lead the expert restoration and landscaping of the gardens for many years, and is also Director of the Italian Film Fesitval. See highlight videos of the Opera in the Italian Cultal Garden here.

I compliment everyone involved in planning and performing in this wonderful event. Joyce has the garden looking beautiful, and the set-up and sound for the opera were stunning. All six performers were talented and gave powerful presentations - they appeared to enjoy the fun, picturesque set and gave the warm audience their personal best.

The free, urban park setting allowed families of all ages and classes to attend, although the audience appeared largely Italian... and highly appreciative of good opera. Although not Italian, I appreciate the great efforts in this community of the very Italian Joyce Mariana and her friends in the Italian community, and garden, who bring us this classy annual event, and so much more.